Reflect on faith, devotion to God --- VP Duterte
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Nov. 1, urged Filipinos to reflect on their faith and devotion to God so they can serve other people, especially those in need.
Vice President Sara Duterte (Inday Sara Duterte/ Facebook)
In her message, Duterte said she prayed the saints’ “blessedness” would remind the Filipino Christian community of “God's compassion, mercy, and enduring love.”
“Let us solemnly reflect on the profundity of their faith and devotion to God - and pray that their blessedness will guide us down the path where we are called to serve the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the dying,” she said.
The official, who also serves as Education chief in a concurrent capacity, also hoped that the people would ask God for “continued blessing of strength and healing as a nation.”
“Let us pray for protection against calamities, disasters, wars, and forces that may threaten our unity and cause human suffering or death,” Duterte added.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively, are special non-working days in the Philippines.
Usually, families would go to the cemetery or the columbarium where their departed loves ones were buried or inurned to visit. This serves as a reunion for many families who get together to pay their respects to their ancestors and loved ones.
While the two are related, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are separate celebrations, with the former being a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own and the latter celebrates all souls and the call for God’s mercy.